DIY Trumeau Mirror

I'm noticing a distinct trend lately among all of my projects.

First comes the idea.

Then comes the "that is going to look seriously dorky".

Then comes, "But maybe I'll try it anyway and if it ends up being an epic failure no one will know."

Then comes, "Oh wait, is this actually working?"

Then comes, "Umm...but what if I'm the only one who thinks this looks good? How much photo editing can I do to pull this one off?" 

So it went with my idea to attempt a DIY Trumeau Mirror!

This is our Family Room.

This doesn't even come close to how messy it is on most days. 

In your mind add in about a million tiny plastic animals, some empty bowls left over from snacks and all of the pillows off of the chairs so the rascals can play "lily pads".

These cabinets were here when we moved in and while I know everyone and their sister (hee hee) has lighter colored cabinetry in their homes, this stuff is really nice and has wonderful pull-out drawers and according to my hubby isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

We added the floating shelves when we moved in to fill in the spaces above the built-ins.

But, it all just seemed so dark to me.

And a little bit cluttered.

And I've had those 4 botanical prints up there for four years AND they were up above the fireplace of our old house for 8 years so I think I'm justified in wanting a change, right?

                                                               

So, I got it into my head that I might just want to do something a tad more simple and maybe a bit lighter.          

 That's when I remembered how much I have always loved Trumeau Mirrors and wondered if I could attempt to make one myself. There is an awesome tutorial for how to make these over at  The Idea Room if your not completely hair-brained like me and decide to pretty much just wing it!

I had an old Wal-Mart mirror tucked away that I thought might just work for the bottom and some leftover molding and trim I knew my hubby would be happy for me to use up.

The only things I purchased were the ply-wood and the little decorative ornament. 

              

I built a small frame for the top and attached the decorative ornament with wood glue.

Then I used 2 pieces of leftover molding stacked on top of each other for some extra "umph".

I know that some of you miter-ing wizards (Heather!) could make the corners look extra fancy but my little $10 miter saw and box just don't "cut" when it comes to that. I'm so punny aren't I?

The already framed Wal-Mart mirror was then just attached (I used the existing hooks to simply hang it straight onto the wood) to the bottom half and this could seriously go down as one of the easiest DIY projects ever!

A couple of coats of paint, some distressing (which I find very "distressing" by the way! It seems so wrong to sand down something that has been freshly painted!), a coat of darker stain and then all sealed up with some wax and I had myself my very own Trumeau Mirror!

It might not be the real deal and it definitely isn't perfect, but I just love how much it brightens things up in here and softens the darker woodwork.

                             Before                                                                         After

    

Now, don't go judging my slightly uninspired Spring mantel.

 I've been too busy building mirrors folks!

At least I got some tulips up there right?

 Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

This post is partying here:
The Rooster and the Hen: Repurpose Remodel Reveal 
You're Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips Party
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday's Treasures
Cherished Bliss: Craft and Tell
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Redoux: Friday Link-Up
DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade